The History of Svartrau Cathedral

Text

There is no grander nor more renowned building in the whole of Vale Sangora than Svartrau Cathedral. This centre of religious devotion dedicated to Saint Mihai has stood tall for many centuries, welcoming throngs of the faithful – with many cases of pilgrims braving the mountains surrounding the valley just to catch a glimpse of this architectural wonder.

The Cathedral, having replaced the first church in Vale Sangora, would be rebuilt and modernised throughout the centuries; it was first erected in AD 795 by master architect Abelard the Sorrowful, and served as a way of repenting for the sins he committed in his homeland of Lombardy. There is no record of the nature of Abelard’s transgressions, but one cannot argue with the glorious outcome – although it’s worth noting that the architect himself never once set foot inside the Cathedral as he died soon after drawing up its remarkably detailed plans.

Throughout the centuries the cathedral complex was of course expanded – first in AD 1123, when an inner courtyard that included a treasury, a library and a workshop for the secular workers was added; and then in AD 1205, when Bishop Athanasius of Parlita funded the construction of an almshouse for the poor.

It stands on Svartrau Plaza to this day – a symbol of the valley’s devotion to God.